Aomori station in winter

A cold crisp breeze envelopes the snow-covered train station in Aomori. As a train arrives its doors open bringing a slight reprieve of warmth from its heated body.

Snow covered mountains of Kyoto in winter.

A monkey crosses on a power line in the snow covered mountains of Kyoto. Nothing stops the mountain locals from foraging for food even during bleak freezing temperatures. Wild monkeys are prevalent in the Kyoto mountains but not easy seen due to their reserved nature and are easily spooked.

Winter travel in Hokkaido

A moment of solitude brought on by winter’s cold white haze. The railway platform mostly abandoned of life becomes a quiet respite clearing the mind of noise. Only the consistent sound of the snow falling with a slight howl of the wind breaks the stillness. The sound is that of some massive godlike creature exhaling its chilling breath upon the area.

A train passes a through a winter landscape in Hokkaido

A single train carriage passes through a winter landscape in Hokkaido. As the island is mostly countryside apart from a few major cities, fewer trains operate on a delayed schedule. One may wait 1-4 hours for the next train to arrive. Huddling up close to a small gas stove in a tiny station can be the outcome for those stuck in this harsh environment.